Do it yourself urbanism

From ordinary citizens wanting to make a difference in their communities to planners using it as an public engagement tool, the practice of do it yourself urbanism is sweeping the profession.

Ever see something that should be there but isn't. This guy did and improved a highway sign. http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/guerrilla-public-service/

image from http://www.spontaneousinterventions.org/project/guerrilla-bike-lanes

The same goes for bike lanes. Guerrilla cyclists are painting their own bike lanes with varying levels of success and permanence. http://www.citylab.com/commute/2013/09/will-guerrilla-bike-lane-lead-real-thing/7019/

image from http://parkingday.org/

Park(ing) day is a movement where citizens "transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks."

Tactical urbanism was brought about when two men "realized that public engagement, that thing that is supposed to drive democracy, just wasn’t happening," until they created it - "an approach to neighborhood building and activation using short-term, low-cost and scalable interventions and policies."

Streetmix allows anyone to create a cross section of what you think the street should look like "with options for driving and turning lanes, bus lanes, bike lanes and bike racks, streetcars, sidewalks, parking, trees, parklets and benches, and even wayfinding signs" visualizing real-life scenarios.

Even seed bombing - creating gardens in "unsightly vacant lots, sidewalks, neglected planters and run-down areas. This is done by using some stealth, seed bombs (earth truffles), and sometimes a slingshot. If you're tired of ugly urban deserts this may be the solution for you." 

Whatever the tool, when public engagement is the purpose, the outcome of community planning will be more comprehensive and better informed.